Fayetteville-Manlius High School will be welcoming a new leader for the 2024-25 school year.
During its March 25 meeting, the Fayetteville-Manlius Board of Education approved the appointment of Patrick McNamara as the next F-M High School principal, beginning July 1, 2024.
McNamara has served as principal of Mott Road Elementary School since August of 2023. Prior to that, McNamara was an assistant principal at F-M High School, a position he held since July 1, 2019. As McNamara transitions to his new role back at the high school, he will attend to his final obligations and responsibilities at Mott Road.
This decision was not an easy one for McNamara, who said it had been a career aspiration of his to serve the students, staff, and community of Mott Road. He described three things that solidified his choice to return to F-M High School.
“When the Dance Marathon MC’s came to Mott Road to perform their dance and encourage our students in a P2 assembly, I remembered how much I loved and cared for them. After that, I attended the musical, and it reminded me of all that was great here at FMHS – the students, the teachers, the talent, and the community support. Lastly, and most importantly, was the encouragement from this staff. I appreciated everyone’s kind phone calls, words, and texts,” explained McNamara.
McNamara is a graduate of LeMoyne College with a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters degree in teaching. He also earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from the State University of New York at Oswego. He holds New York State certifications as a School District Leader and School Building Leader, as well as a permanent teaching certification in 7-12 English.
Prior to his administrative experience at F-M, McNamara taught English at both the middle and junior high school levels in the North Syracuse Central School District. He also completed his administrative internship at Roxboro Road Middle School, during which he was asked to serve as a substitute administrator across different North Syracuse schools.
“Mr. McNamara is already familiar with students and staff within Fayetteville-Manlius High School, which will allow him to really hit the ground running,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Craig J. Tice. “As both an administrator and as a Fayetteville-Manlius CSD parent, Pat brings his knowledge of both F-M High School and the entire district to this appointment. Pat’s extensive administrative and teaching experience at each of the elementary, middle, and high school levels will help him bring a fresh perspective to this role, and we look forward to him getting started.”
“This staff has been through so much over the past few years. Yet, they continued to show up everyday, be strong for each other, and provide the best possible education for our students. For that and myriad other reasons, I want to return to the high school and support the staff and students. It is great to be back,” added McNamara.
The district will next commence a search for a new principal at Mott Road Elementary School.